How to Triumph Over Life's
Problems (Part 2)
Finding Value in Our Problems
Last time, we talked
about maintaining a positive attitude and living one day at a time as
ways to triumph over life’s problems. Today, we’ll examine additional
ways that God uses our struggles for good. It's important to recognize
that sometimes, problems are within God's will for our lives. There is
hardly a godly figure in Scripture who didn’t face difficulties. To
triumph over our problems, we must learn to find the value in them.
Problems Can Give Us Direction
God often uses
problems to redirect us. Proverbs 20:30 says, “Blows that hurt cleanse
away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.” Sometimes
painful experiences are what it takes to steer our hearts in a new
direction.
One story tells of a
boy in Texas who fancied himself the world’s best rock thrower. He
hurled a stone at a passing car and broke the windshield. After being
caught and disciplined, he changed his behavior—some pain led to better
decisions. In a much more profound way, Saul of Tarsus was literally
struck down and blinded on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). That crisis
redirected his life from persecuting Christians to becoming the Apostle
Paul. God sometimes lights a fire under us to wake us up. When you're
facing hardship, ask yourself, "Is God trying to redirect me?"
Problems Can Protect Us
Some problems are
blessings in disguise. One Christian businessman was fired for refusing
to do something unethical—only to later find that everyone involved in
the scheme was arrested. What seemed like a setback was actually divine
protection.
Joseph's story in
Genesis 37–50 is a classic example. Sold into slavery, falsely accused,
and imprisoned—his life seemed cursed. But through it all, God was
positioning him to become second-in-command of Egypt and save his
family. Genesis 50:20 sums it up: “You meant evil against me; but God
meant it for good.” God sometimes uses problems to shield us from
greater harm.
Problems Can Test Us
Deuteronomy 8:2 says
God tested Israel in the wilderness to know what was in their hearts.
Their journey from Egypt to Canaan could’ve taken weeks—but took 40
years because they kept failing those tests. God tests us, too—not so He
can learn about us, but so we can learn about ourselves.
Are you trusting God
or grumbling in discontent? God won’t lead us forward until we start
trusting Him. We must stop wandering and let Him guide us. As the saying
goes, “If God is your co-pilot, switch seats.”
Problems Help Us Grow
Romans 5:3–4 reminds
us that “tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character;
and character, hope.” The Living Bible paraphrases it: “We can rejoice,
too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are
good for us.”
God is like a potter
shaping us through trials. Isaiah 64:8 says, “We are the clay, and You
our potter.” His goal is to make us more like Christ. Even Jesus was
made perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10). If Christ had to suffer,
so will we. But it is through this suffering that we are refined and
prepared for eternal life.
Never Give Up
Perhaps the most
important key to triumphing over life’s problems is this: don’t give up.
Nearly 13 people per hour in the U.S. take their own lives. Despair is
real, even among Christians. A tragic story was shared about Shannon—a
church elder’s wife—who ultimately gave in to her depression. The pain
was real, but hope was still possible. If you are struggling, reach out.
Share the burden. Find someone to confide in.
No matter how broken
we feel, God is greater than our struggles. Philippians 4:13 declares,
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” That promise
is for you, too.
Sermon Outline
-
Finding
Value in Our Problems
-
Problems
Give Direction
-
Problems
Provide Protection
-
Problems
Test Us
-
Problems
Help Us Grow
-
Don’t Give
Up
Call to Action
Have you been
overwhelmed by life’s burdens? Do you feel lost in trials you don’t
understand? Don’t face them alone. God uses your problems to grow you,
redirect you, protect you, and reveal His presence. But you must keep
going. Keep trusting. Keep praying. If you need the prayers of the
church, or if today is the day you are ready to put on Christ in
baptism, come forward now—while we stand and sing.
Sermon Outlines on All Topics:
